Blog #2 Reflection on power and control of schools

Recently in class we have been learning a lot about schools and the different systems in America. We were able to find the differences between public schools, private schools, home schooling, and what school of choice is. From class readings we have found that there are different types of public schools. According to Spring, these include open enrollment, magnet schools, alternative schools, and public charter schools. A public school is  available to any child for free. Magnet schools attract specific specialties such as learning for children with disabilities. Alternative schools apply to many students who are troubled, or teens who are pregnant. A public charter school typically helps give students a chance to attend a better school than the locally provided public school. They offer a more disciplined environment than a typical public school and they strive for excellence. in addition to the many forms of public schools, there is private schools. Private schools cost money and the government does not support them the way public schools are supported. Religion is typically a common factor for all private schools. In addition, school of choice is another option available to students who want to attend a school outside of their assigned public school. It allows parents to select an appropriate school for their child to attend, the only drawback is that the parent has to find their own method of transportation. Lastly, is the method of home schooling. This is where the child's parent teaches their child. The parents are still required to achieve the required state goals, it is typically thought to be done because of the families religious beliefs. Overall, there are many different opinions to which school is best. Many people believe that private schools are superior to public education. I would have to say that there are many different advantages and disadvantages to each type of school and not one of them is superior to the other i feel like a lot of times, students decide what they want to achieve and accomplish. Students get out what they put into it. 

Warrior's Don't Cry Reflection

Over the past few weeks in education class we have been reading the book Warrior's Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals. This book is the actual life story of Melba who was one of the nine black students involved in the major turning point of integration known as The Little Rock Nine. The book begins as Melba gives a brief overview and introduction to the story of the Little Rock Nine and in the second chapter she begins to give a much more detailed story as to what exactly happened day by day before integration began. Melba talks about how she was deeply afraid of white people and how she did not understand the reasoning as to why she had to drink at a seperate drinking fountian or use a different bathroom. Melba introduces some very important people in her life, and very critical to her personal story like her mother, father, grandmother, and brother. She explains how great her grandmother is and talks about the many things that they do together. It is her grandmother who gives her much advice about God and how to act around others. She even saves her when Melba goes to the white womens bathroom. Chapter three is when Melba's story begins to get interesting. It is when Plessy vs. Ferguson took place, stating that seperate but equal is constitutionally unequal. This was a huge deal and Melba's teacher even let the students out of class for the day, something that never happened. On her way home, Melba was attacked by a white man who began to rape Melba, luckily she was able to get away with the help of another girl, but Melba's grandmother did not make light of the situation. I do not believe that Melba knew the extent of what happened to her that day, but she was told to never speak of it, but to pray for the man who had attacked her. I personally would have found this as something that would be very hard to do, I would be so man and have such hatred towards someone who tried to do such terrible things to me. I feel like this says a lot about Melba and what kind of person she is, she is very strong. For example, when her teacher asks if anyone would like to attend Central High School, an all white school, Melba immedietly jumps at the opprotunity. Although others threaten her and her family, Melba stands strong and does not give in. She knows that it is the right thing for her to integrate the school and she knows that she can and will do just that. Then the day comes when Melba can finally attend school, after much struggle Melba and her mother finally arrive to the school where they are chased and followed by an angry mob threatining their lives. The guards will not let the black students in by rules of govenor Fabues. In a result of the integration, Melbas house is shot at and more threats keep coming. Personally, if I were Melba, I would not be able to be as strong as she was. She was someone who could stand strong regardless of what was going on. She kept her faith strong which was a very large part of the story and the reason as to why Melba was able to do the things that she did, because as in her grandmothers words, "In God's time. Be patient, child, and tell God all about it". This quote was able to help Melba with many struggles in the first days of integration in Central High School.